The Brighton Hippodrome is set to be turned into an eight-screen cinema and restaurant complex.

But campaigners have called on councillors to defer a decision on the former variety theatre for six months.

The Our Brighton Hippodrome group has also appealed to Government minister Eric Pickles to ‘call the decision in’ saying the venue is of national importance.

The campaigners want to see an alternative plan for a 1,500-seat theatre instead.

They argue a new venue would generate £1 million revenue a year – more than a cinema – and could be up and running within two or three years with a £15 million makeover.

The plan has the backing of the Ambassador Theatre Group, which runs the Theatre Royal, and said the two venues could operate “happily in harmony”.

The group said a renovated Hippodrome “meets their needs” and urged the council to give “serious consideration” to its revival as a live performance venue.

The city’s planning committee is being advised to grant a scheme submitted by Indigo Planning on behalf of Alaska Property Developments which would see the theatre in Middle Street become a Vue cinema with four restaurants.

But campaign leaders, including cinema expert David Fisher, Theatres Trust architect trustee Tim Foster and former councillor Tony Jaffe, said the report was misleading.

They queried figures claiming a theatre would not be viable and would lose £250,000 a year.

Planning documents suggest changes to the interior of the building would be “reversible”.

But campaigners say changes would be “irretrievable” and end the possibility of the theatre being used as a live performance venue. A petition to retain the Hippodrome as a live performance venue has attracted more than 12,000 signatures with support from actors Alan Ayckbourn, Dame Judi Dench and Dame Penelope Keith.

Mr Fisher, a former editor of Screen Magazine and a Government advisor on cinema, said the proposed restaurants were not needed when there were already 72 restaurants, 19 pubs and 13 cafés within a short walk of the Hippodrome.

He said cinema audiences were on the decline and a new complex would “cannibalise” audiences at the Odeon and Cineworld.

Mr Foster said the theatre was the most important at-risk theatre in the country and its unique design, originally a circus, made it a versatile venue able to host a variety of shows.

The planning committee will meet tomorrow at 2pm at Hove Town Hall to discuss the plans.

Comments (24)

I cannot believe these people. living in a fairyland. I have looked at the plans of the developer and they actually PRESERVE the building. the screens are underground and in the old service yard. the main hippodrome is actually preserved. I tried to get in but it's unsafe and dangerous. And by the look of the images, the space under the dome will be totally suitable for live performance within the restaurant..... oh and by the way the Judi Dench who wrote a letter of support - is that the same Judi Dench who made all her money from the movie industry?

I cannot believe these people. living in a fairyland. I have looked at the plans of the developer and they actually PRESERVE the building. the screens are underground and in the old service yard. the main hippodrome is actually preserved. I tried to get in but it's unsafe and dangerous. And by the look of the images, the space under the dome will be totally suitable for live performance within the restaurant..... oh and by the way the Judi Dench who wrote a letter of support - is that the same Judi Dench who made all her money from the movie industry?hotel pianist

I completely support this. It's nothing to do with living in a fairy tale land or whatever was quoted above.

Brighton is renowned for its architecture and vibrancy (look at Crawley to see what a dull place it is). Why on earth do we want to turn an incredible old building into a Cinema when a Cinema is already 200m away?!

It could become a fantastic music/comedy/theatre venue. It's not like we're short on restaurants and cafes in the area?!

The only way I'd support this being a cinema if it was an independent one, not a ghastly chain

I completely support this. It's nothing to do with living in a fairy tale land or whatever was quoted above.
Brighton is renowned for its architecture and vibrancy (look at Crawley to see what a dull place it is). Why on earth do we want to turn an incredible old building into a Cinema when a Cinema is already 200m away?!
It could become a fantastic music/comedy/theatre venue. It's not like we're short on restaurants and cafes in the area?!
The only way I'd support this being a cinema if it was an independent one, not a ghastly chainJ_Brightonandhove

J_Brightonandhove wrote:
I completely support this. It's nothing to do with living in a fairy tale land or whatever was quoted above.

Brighton is renowned for its architecture and vibrancy (look at Crawley to see what a dull place it is). Why on earth do we want to turn an incredible old building into a Cinema when a Cinema is already 200m away?!

It could become a fantastic music/comedy/theatre venue. It's not like we're short on restaurants and cafes in the area?!

The only way I'd support this being a cinema if it was an independent one, not a ghastly chain

Hear Hear.
We have a perfectly good independent cinema in the Dukes'.
This proposal will serve up nothing more than trite Hollywood rubbish!
Refurbish the Hip (with its unique and beautiful interior) and the people will come...in their droves.

[quote][p][bold]J_Brightonandhove[/bold] wrote:
I completely support this. It's nothing to do with living in a fairy tale land or whatever was quoted above.
Brighton is renowned for its architecture and vibrancy (look at Crawley to see what a dull place it is). Why on earth do we want to turn an incredible old building into a Cinema when a Cinema is already 200m away?!
It could become a fantastic music/comedy/theatre venue. It's not like we're short on restaurants and cafes in the area?!
The only way I'd support this being a cinema if it was an independent one, not a ghastly chain[/p][/quote]Hear Hear.
We have a perfectly good independent cinema in the Dukes'.
This proposal will serve up nothing more than trite Hollywood rubbish!
Refurbish the Hip (with its unique and beautiful interior) and the people will come...in their droves.inmegarden

I had no idea the inside was as impressive or large. What a wonderful building, how on earth has it been left derelict for so long? It deserves restoration as a theatre/music venue rather than a cinema.
There were funds available for the i360 and its dubiously confident estimates for visitors and profitabilty. Surely this would be a far greater 'restored' asset for Brighton during both Summer and Winter?

I had no idea the inside was as impressive or large. What a wonderful building, how on earth has it been left derelict for so long? It deserves restoration as a theatre/music venue rather than a cinema.
There were funds available for the i360 and its dubiously confident estimates for visitors and profitabilty. Surely this would be a far greater 'restored' asset for Brighton during both Summer and Winter?spa301

Who owns it is what matters. Nobody has come along to buy it for a return to theatre use. Why is that?

This precious heritage asset crumbles more and more the longer it stays unused and unrestored.

Unless there is someone or a group of people with the money and will to restore it and run it as a theatre, what is gained REALLY in keeping it dark.

Who owns it is what matters. Nobody has come along to buy it for a return to theatre use. Why is that?
This precious heritage asset crumbles more and more the longer it stays unused and unrestored.
Unless there is someone or a group of people with the money and will to restore it and run it as a theatre, what is gained REALLY in keeping it dark.Valerie Paynter

Do we REALLY need another eight cinemas in this town? The answer is a pretty obvious no!! The only problem I can see with retaining the Hippodrome as a theatre is that with revenues (as opposed to profit) of £1million a year the initial refurbishment costs of circa £15m would take forever to re-pay unless a large slice of that was funded by the National Lottery!

Do we REALLY need another eight cinemas in this town? The answer is a pretty obvious no!! The only problem I can see with retaining the Hippodrome as a theatre is that with revenues (as opposed to profit) of £1million a year the initial refurbishment costs of circa £15m would take forever to re-pay unless a large slice of that was funded by the National Lottery!brighton bluenose

Brighton has the Odeon, Cineworld, Duke of Yorks and Komedia. What on earth do we need yet another cinema for? What is badly needed is a theatre for large scale entertainment, like the Congress Theatre in Eastbourne, and the Hippodrome, which used to stage those productions, would be perfect if restored. The Dome is totally unsuitable for anything but concerts and the Theatre Royal is too small. Perhaps the Argus should run one of its polls, to see what the people of Brighton and Hove actually want and need.

Brighton has the Odeon, Cineworld, Duke of Yorks and Komedia. What on earth do we need yet another cinema for? What is badly needed is a theatre for large scale entertainment, like the Congress Theatre in Eastbourne, and the Hippodrome, which used to stage those productions, would be perfect if restored. The Dome is totally unsuitable for anything but concerts and the Theatre Royal is too small. Perhaps the Argus should run one of its polls, to see what the people of Brighton and Hove actually want and need.hoveguyactually

brighton bluenose wrote:
Do we REALLY need another eight cinemas in this town? The answer is a pretty obvious no!! The only problem I can see with retaining the Hippodrome as a theatre is that with revenues (as opposed to profit) of £1million a year the initial refurbishment costs of circa £15m would take forever to re-pay unless a large slice of that was funded by the National Lottery!

I’d be happy if this one forces the Odeon out of business then that terrible building on the seafront can be redeveloped into something far better

[quote][p][bold]brighton bluenose[/bold] wrote:
Do we REALLY need another eight cinemas in this town? The answer is a pretty obvious no!! The only problem I can see with retaining the Hippodrome as a theatre is that with revenues (as opposed to profit) of £1million a year the initial refurbishment costs of circa £15m would take forever to re-pay unless a large slice of that was funded by the National Lottery![/p][/quote]I’d be happy if this one forces the Odeon out of business then that terrible building on the seafront can be redeveloped into something far betters_james

We should get behind the application-it will restore and preserve the Hippodrome for future generations and is a deliverable deal on the table ready to go. Anything else, however desirable, is a pipe dream. Check out the planning application (BH04348) and look on www.brightonhippodro
me.co.uk for accurate information and ignore the blatant misinformation being bandied about town!

We should get behind the application-it will restore and preserve the Hippodrome for future generations and is a deliverable deal on the table ready to go. Anything else, however desirable, is a pipe dream. Check out the planning application (BH04348) and look on www.brightonhippodro
me.co.uk for accurate information and ignore the blatant misinformation being bandied about town!jo_brown

All these suggestions are wonderful., but who's got the £20 million?
Funny how it's only when something positive, viable and ready to go is put forward which will actually evolve the building into a new life.. All these well meaning people come out the woodwork and try to put a spanner in the works! Think West Pier and try to think outside the box. This is actually an amazing opportunity, not only for the Hippodrome but for the regeneration of the surrounding area as well, plus of course employment opportunities!

All these suggestions are wonderful., but who's got the £20 million?
Funny how it's only when something positive, viable and ready to go is put forward which will actually evolve the building into a new life.. All these well meaning people come out the woodwork and try to put a spanner in the works! Think West Pier and try to think outside the box. This is actually an amazing opportunity, not only for the Hippodrome but for the regeneration of the surrounding area as well, plus of course employment opportunities!jo_brown

Where does this Mr Fisher get his dubious facts from, "cinema audiences on the decline" when the British Film Institute for 2012 says AUDIENCES ROSE to the third highest figures in the last 40 YEARS at 172.5 million, with revenue topping £1 billion a year for the second year in succession!

It's a listed building, will be inspected at all stages to ensure it's listed status is not affected, and has NOT been a theatre since 1967.

Also it was originally designed as an ice rink (which failed after 2 years), not a theatre (which failed with the decline of local productions).

Isn't it strange you always get the theatre luvvies signing petitions when there are already lots of other theatres in Brighton, which in 20 years of living here I have never been to, but I have been to restaurants, shops, and local cinema many many many times in that period.

Time to use it for something that ordinary people want, that will actual pay for the upkeep of the building and provide JOBS for locals, and not pander to the whims of the artist crowd.

Failed as an ice rink
Failed as a theatre
Failed as a theatre / variety theatre

Time for something modern and new that respects the old.

Hope it gets permission, plans look very appropriate.

Where does this Mr Fisher get his dubious facts from, "cinema audiences on the decline" when the British Film Institute for 2012 says AUDIENCES ROSE to the third highest figures in the last 40 YEARS at 172.5 million, with revenue topping £1 billion a year for the second year in succession!
It's a listed building, will be inspected at all stages to ensure it's listed status is not affected, and has NOT been a theatre since 1967.
Also it was originally designed as an ice rink (which failed after 2 years), not a theatre (which failed with the decline of local productions).
Isn't it strange you always get the theatre luvvies signing petitions when there are already lots of other theatres in Brighton, which in 20 years of living here I have never been to, but I have been to restaurants, shops, and local cinema many many many times in that period.
Time to use it for something that ordinary people want, that will actual pay for the upkeep of the building and provide JOBS for locals, and not pander to the whims of the artist crowd.
Failed as an ice rink
Failed as a theatre
Failed as a theatre / variety theatre
Time for something modern and new that respects the old.
Hope it gets permission, plans look very appropriate.downbythesea

jo_brown wrote:
All these suggestions are wonderful., but who's got the £20 million?
Funny how it's only when something positive, viable and ready to go is put forward which will actually evolve the building into a new life.. All these well meaning people come out the woodwork and try to put a spanner in the works! Think West Pier and try to think outside the box. This is actually an amazing opportunity, not only for the Hippodrome but for the regeneration of the surrounding area as well, plus of course employment opportunities!

The West Pier is just a shell of its former self. The majority of people do not want the Glorified lift that is going to replace it . However they would like an ice rink which would attract people from near and far.

[quote][p][bold]jo_brown[/bold] wrote:
All these suggestions are wonderful., but who's got the £20 million?
Funny how it's only when something positive, viable and ready to go is put forward which will actually evolve the building into a new life.. All these well meaning people come out the woodwork and try to put a spanner in the works! Think West Pier and try to think outside the box. This is actually an amazing opportunity, not only for the Hippodrome but for the regeneration of the surrounding area as well, plus of course employment opportunities![/p][/quote]The West Pier is just a shell of its former self. The majority of people do not want the Glorified lift that is going to replace it . However they would like an ice rink which would attract people from near and far.rolivan

downbythesea wrote:
Where does this Mr Fisher get his dubious facts from, &quot;cinema audiences on the decline" when the British Film Institute for 2012 says AUDIENCES ROSE to the third highest figures in the last 40 YEARS at 172.5 million, with revenue topping £1 billion a year for the second year in succession!

It's a listed building, will be inspected at all stages to ensure it's listed status is not affected, and has NOT been a theatre since 1967.

Also it was originally designed as an ice rink (which failed after 2 years), not a theatre (which failed with the decline of local productions).

Isn't it strange you always get the theatre luvvies signing petitions when there are already lots of other theatres in Brighton, which in 20 years of living here I have never been to, but I have been to restaurants, shops, and local cinema many many many times in that period.

Time to use it for something that ordinary people want, that will actual pay for the upkeep of the building and provide JOBS for locals, and not pander to the whims of the artist crowd.

Failed as an ice rink
Failed as a theatre
Failed as a theatre / variety theatre

Time for something modern and new that respects the old.

Hope it gets permission, plans look very appropriate.

Totally agree!
A REAL OPPORTUNITY.

[quote][p][bold]downbythesea[/bold] wrote:
Where does this Mr Fisher get his dubious facts from, "cinema audiences on the decline" when the British Film Institute for 2012 says AUDIENCES ROSE to the third highest figures in the last 40 YEARS at 172.5 million, with revenue topping £1 billion a year for the second year in succession!
It's a listed building, will be inspected at all stages to ensure it's listed status is not affected, and has NOT been a theatre since 1967.
Also it was originally designed as an ice rink (which failed after 2 years), not a theatre (which failed with the decline of local productions).
Isn't it strange you always get the theatre luvvies signing petitions when there are already lots of other theatres in Brighton, which in 20 years of living here I have never been to, but I have been to restaurants, shops, and local cinema many many many times in that period.
Time to use it for something that ordinary people want, that will actual pay for the upkeep of the building and provide JOBS for locals, and not pander to the whims of the artist crowd.
Failed as an ice rink
Failed as a theatre
Failed as a theatre / variety theatre
Time for something modern and new that respects the old.
Hope it gets permission, plans look very appropriate.[/p][/quote]Totally agree!
A REAL OPPORTUNITY.jo_brown

BH2013/04348 is the planning number for Full Planning Consent. It attracted 130 objections. BH2013/04351 is the planning number for the compantion Listed Planning Consent and there are only 6 objections to giving Listed consent for these proposals to alter the historic integrity of this building.

The societies are listed separately with both the Hove Civic Society weighing in to support the cinema and the Regency Society also supporting the conversion. English Heritage has no problem with the proposals either (see Listed app report to cttee).

Have a look here at the Theatres Trust objection outline points from 5.7-5.10 and NB - there is a rival business plan which they support.
http://present.brigh
ton-hove.gov.uk/Publ
ished/C00000118/M000
05135/AI00041273/sca
nnedrosskeatleylasta
ndfinal2014070417015
0.pdf

BH2013/04348 is the planning number for Full Planning Consent. It attracted 130 objections. BH2013/04351 is the planning number for the compantion Listed Planning Consent and there are only 6 objections to giving Listed consent for these proposals to alter the historic integrity of this building.
The societies are listed separately with both the Hove Civic Society weighing in to support the cinema and the Regency Society also supporting the conversion. English Heritage has no problem with the proposals either (see Listed app report to cttee).
Have a look here at the Theatres Trust objection outline points from 5.7-5.10 and NB - there is a rival business plan which they support.
http://present.brigh
ton-hove.gov.uk/Publ
ished/C00000118/M000
05135/AI00041273/sca
nnedrosskeatleylasta
ndfinal2014070417015
0.pdfValerie Paynter

Save it as a cinema and restaurants. Otherwise it will eventually end up being bulldozed followed by p1ss pot residential flats.

Make sure there's an ice-rink at the Saltdean Lido when the pool is closed during autumn and winter. Stop wrecking the Pavillion with the temporary ice rink rip off.

Lock up the loons who think the the i360 is anything other than a money losing 'get out of crap card' for those that know very well who they are...

Save it as a cinema and restaurants. Otherwise it will eventually end up being bulldozed followed by p1ss pot residential flats.
Make sure there's an ice-rink at the Saltdean Lido when the pool is closed during autumn and winter. Stop wrecking the Pavillion with the temporary ice rink rip off.
Lock up the loons who think the the i360 is anything other than a money losing 'get out of crap card' for those that know very well who they are...From beer to uncertainty